Question
A two-month-old infant is experiencing difficulties with defecation. After examination at a children’s hospital, the possibility of congenital megacolon has been ruled out. The baby has good appetite but has uncomfortable bowel movements, accompanied by abdominal bloating and restless crying at night.
Answer
Congenital megacolon is a common congenital intestinal malformation in infants and young children, primarily caused by persistent spasm of the distal rectum or colon, leading to fecal retention in the proximal colon, which subsequently causes colon thickening and dilation. The exact cause of this condition is not yet fully understood, but most studies suggest a genetic factor is involved, and it may sometimes be accompanied by other malformations. Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the affected part of the colon. Specific treatment plans should be followed under the advice of a specialist doctor and within a professional medical institution.